Baker Park, Naples, FL: The Lovely Naples Gem Hidden in Plain Sight

Baker Park is one of the newest additions to Naples, Florida. This beautiful riverfront park that connects to the Gordon River Greenway opened in 2019 and is one of the most unique places to visit in Naples.

But this lovely Naples Florida park is a gem truly hidden in plain sight just minutes from downtown’s 5th Avenue.

Few tourists ever visit and it’s fairly new so locals are just now discovering it, and it’s becoming a hub for outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, boating, picnicking, and splashing around on a hot day!

There’s simply so much to do especially for kids at this beautiful park!

If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to Baker Park Naples, this article has everything you need to know.

Baker Park, Naples FL

Where Is Baker Park?

Baker Park, Naples FL is a 15-acre park on the Gordon River and located right across the street from the Naples Dog Park, so you and your furry friend can enjoy both urban greenery hubs.

The park entrance is well-marked and can be accessed at the intersection of Goodlette-Frank Road and Central Avenue near downtown Naples and Bayfront.

It’s also minutes away from Tin City in Naples and is a great stop after your visit there, to maybe walk off the ice cream or monkey bread (!) or let the kids cool off before dinner.

You may be surprised when you find it, as you’ve probably driven by the entrance a hundred times but never gave it a second thought.

Stop in — you’ll be so glad you did!

 

 

History of Baker Park

Baker Park is actually one of the newest additions to Naples.

The park opened in 2019 and has since become one of the most popular outdoor spots to enjoy in Naples.

Originally, the park was to be named Gordon River Park, due to its location on the Gordon River.

But when local residents and philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker donated $2 million to the park’s construction, the name was changed to honor their generous gift.

Things To Do at Baker Park, Naples, FL

One of the beautiful things about Baker Park is the extensive list of things you can do there.

You can easily spend a full day – if not more than one – enjoying everything that this beautiful park has to offer.

Play With Your Dog

Baker Park is directly adjacent to the Naples Dog Park, one of the best places to bring your dog for playtime.

But that doesn’t mean that Baker Park itself isn’t dog-friendly.

Dogs are welcome on a leash in Baker Park and the 1.6 mile loop trail is one of the best for running with your dog or getting some structured exercise.

Watch the Sunrise

If you’re an early bird, there’s a good chance that you also love sunrises.

And if you’re looking for one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Naples, Florida, you’ll definitely want to check out Baker Park.

When the sun peaks out above the horizon, it’ll show up just beyond the Gordon River.

You’ll have the best seat in the house while at Baker Park, and as the sun continues to rise, it’ll paint the sky in a beautiful array of orange and yellow hues.

Go Kayaking

Since Baker Park is situated on the Gordon River, visitors can enjoy both water- and land-based activities.

One of the best things to do on the water at Baker Park is to go kayaking. This lovely park has its own kayak launch.

You can easily paddle your way down the Gordon River, where you can see fish, migrating birds and the occasional manatee.

To make things even more convenient for you, get the appropriate permit from the city and you can store your kayak at Baker Park.

Ride Bikes

If you’d prefer to stay on land, consider going for a bike ride. There are many incredible paths – some designated for biking – in Baker Park. These boast lovely views of the Gordon River as well as the thriving plants throughout the park. Could you ask for a better view during your bike ride?

 

 

Stroll Across the Gordon River

One of the best things to do in Baker Park is stroll across the Gordon River.

This designated pedestrian bridge takes you from Baker Park to North Road which is sometimes dubbed the back road for Baker Park.

Quite a few walkers, runners, and hikers use this path every day.

As a matter of fact, if you follow the entire path from the park, across the bridge, around the paved loop, and back again, you’ll get in a nice 1.3-mile workout.

But you don’t have to work out to enjoy the beauty of this Gordon River pedestrian bridge.

You can simply walk onto the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the river and kayakers passing by.

Or you can join the occasional fisherman and test your fishing skills.

Take Your Boat Out on the Water

Baker Park Naples also boasts a lovely boat dock!

This makes it easy to take your boat out onto the Gordon River for a while before heading back to the park.

And if you’d like to hang out at Baker Park for a little longer, you can simply dock your boat for the day!

Play on the Playground

Baker Park, Naples, FL has one of the coolest playgrounds in Southwest Florida.

Kids of all ages will have the time of their lives at this playground.

It includes a fun splash pad, a rope course of sorts, and one of the most unique slides around.

Much of the playground is shaded, so your little ones can happily play on this playground for hours on end.

Plus the rubberized material used under the playground equipment is soft enough to make any fall feel better.

It’s springy and cushiony especially for the wee ones.

Exercise at the Outdoor Fitness Facility

While the kids can get their exercise for the day on the playground, adults can head to the outdoor fitness facility.

Rather than exercising inside with loads of other people, you can get your work out in while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Pack a Picnic

After your day of kayaking, boating, and biking, you’ll be famished!

Luckily, Baker Park is a lovely place for picnics.

There are a few designated picnic areas in Baker Park, which include convenient charcoal grills.

But if you don’t need to grill anything up, you can simply lay out a blanket on the grass and munch on your tasty picnic lunch.

Don’t feel like putting together a picnic?

Many of the best restaurants in Naples provide fabulous takeout options.

See Some Local Art

Throughout the Park there are several inspired pieces of artwork created by local artists.

From unique sculptures and gardens, pay attention to the sites as you stroll.

There are lots of unique pieces to see!

Watch the Airplanes Fly Overhead

Since Baker Park is quite close to the Naples Airport, it’s the perfect spot to watch planes take off and come in to land.

If you’re worried about too many planes disrupting your day at the park, don't fret.

Naples Airport is quite small, so there are a limited number of flights every day.

Attend an Event

Baker Park also hosts its fair share of events which take place both during the day and at night.

During the day, Baker Park typically hosts art shows.

You can peruse the work of local artists and maybe even purchase a piece or two as gifts or for your home.

Other types of daytime events at Baker Park include 5k runs and book signings.

At night, there’s a wider variety of events. Concerts, musicals, movies, and even operas are just the start.

These can take place anywhere in Baker Park, although the designated performance stage is the most popular venue.

Host Your Own Event

As you can see, Baker Park has a lot going for it.

From manicured landscaping to a riverfront location to fantastic features, what more could you ask for from a public park?

With all of these perks, Baker Park may be the perfect place to host an event of your own.

If you’re an up-and-coming musician, a marketing director for a non-profit, or a published author, you can host your own event at Baker Park.

Not only will this be great publicity for you and your company, but you’ll also have a built-in audience, thanks to the many people who visit Baker Park every single day.

If you are interested in hosting your own event, you can rent out the Sugden-Gomez Center, the formal lawn, the sunrise terrace, or the GCR stage.

Just go to the Baker Park website to fill out the reservation application.

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Whether you’d like to just enjoy a casual picnic under the sun, a romp with your four legged friend, or an adventure-filled day of kayaking, Baker Park, Naples, FL is a fantastic park and a great place to spend some time.

And best of all, the sunrises are free!